Season’s greetings from Punta Mita! As we kick off the fishing report for January 2024, we want to wish you a Merry Fishmas and a Happy New Year. Let’s dive into the highlights of our recent catches and take a look at the fishing outlook for the upcoming year in Mexico.
We celebrated an incredible Christmas season here with a bounty of mahi-mahi, lively sailfish, yellowtail, Spanish mackerel, roosterfish, and some snapper. Curious about where and how we hooked these pelagic wonders? Look no further – we’ve got you covered.
Winter fishing in Punta Mita has brought us some sizzling days on the water, with cool mornings that set the perfect stage. The weather is simply to die for, with mornings starting at a comfortable 65 degrees and warming up to a pleasant 78 degrees. These conditions create the ideal setting for a fantastic fishing experience. While the Pacific Ocean cools down a bit during the winter months, locals and Captain Pete affectionately refer to it as “cold water,” though temperatures typically hover between 78 and 65 degrees.
While many up north have winterized their boats and stowed away their fishing gear, here in Punta Mita, we are just getting started. With the cooling waters, some pelagic fish migrate to different areas or venture farther offshore. Blue and black marlin, in particular, prefer slightly warmer waters and might be found in different offshore locations. However, the sailfish, mahi-mahi, tuna, and yellowtail remain offshore, promising some thrilling action. As the roosterfish and amberjack make their appearance, we’re already witnessing good numbers of these exciting catches. Using a large Spanish mackerel as a teaser has proven effective in luring roosterfish, making for a successful day of live bait fishing.
In January, schools of sardines swarm the bay and offshore areas, enhancing our inshore and offshore fishing experiences. Days filled with fishing around these massive bait balls can leave you with the feeling that your arm might just fall off from the non-stop action. With more bait expected in the coming months, both inshore and offshore fishing will continue to offer exciting opportunities. Punta Mita charter rates for 2024
For offshore trolling, we always keep a couple of live baits, known as “google eye,” ready. Spotting dorado, sailfish, or striped marlin finning on the surface is a common occurrence during the trip. When active, especially during tide changes, they are likely to strike the live bait, providing an exhilarating experience. Keep an eye out for that distinctive fin in the water – it could turn an already good day into an extraordinary one.
Inshore fishing in January is ideal for trolling, jigging, bottom fishing, and live baiting. Daily monitoring of conditions, such as temperature changes, water clarity, and bait movement, helps us guide our clients to the best spots. Fast-feeding yellowtail, delicious Spanish mackerel, California bonitas, and snapper are all abundant during our 6-hour bay trips, ensuring a fun-filled fishing experience.
One of the special bonuses of winter in Punta Mita is the arrival of humpback whales. Alongside fantastic fishing, perfect weather, beautiful beaches, and incredible restaurants, you might find yourself hooked up to a huge fish while witnessing a 20-ton, 40-foot long whale right beside your boat – a sight that happens almost every day.
Come and join us in this winter wonderland we proudly call home – Punta Mita, where the friendliest people in the world live.
Merry Fishmas and Happy New Year from Puerto Vallarta Fishing Professional Charters with Captain Pete and Crew!